Govt Gives All TV, Radio Stations 14 Days To Reduce Betting Content Or Else

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has given all radio and TV stations 14 days to cut down on betting, lottery, and gambling content.

In a a letter dated April 23, 2025, signed by Director General David Mugonyi and obtained by Viral Tea, the authority revealed that it noted with concern an increase in the number of complaints raised by consumers regarding betting, lottery and gambling content that is aired on Television (TV) and FM Radio broadcasting stations.

"The Authority draws your attention to Sections 461(1)(a), (c) and (i) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998, which requires licensees to provide responsible and responsive programming that caters for the varied needs and susceptibilities of different sections of the Kenyan community; observe standards of good taste and decency; and ensure that advertisements either in terms of content, tone or treatment are not deceptive or are not repugnant to good taste," the statement read in part.

"The Authority also draws your attention to the FM Radio and TV Licence Condition on Adherence to the Programme Code and Complaints Handling Procedure as well as the requirements with respect to Protection of Children; Advertisements; and Betting, Lottery and Gambling as stipulated in Clauses 4, 11 and 12.3 of the Programming Code."

According to Mugonyi, the authority observed that programming with respect to betting, lottery and gambling activities for most broadcasting stations exceeds the approved quota in the programme schedule contrary to the provisions in the Licence Conditions, Programming Code and Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.

CA proceeded to warn all broadcasters that failure to follow the directive within 14 days from the date of the letter will result in them losing their broadcasting licenses.

"The purpose of this letter is therefore to notify all broadcasters to remedy these contraventions within 14 days from the date of this letter and adhere to the provisions in the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998: Licence Conditions and Programming Code," added the letter.

"The Authority will take enforcement action against a broadcaster who fails to remedy these contraventions in line with Section 83A (1) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998; and/or revoke the licence as per Sections 46J(a) and (b) of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998."

The statement came days after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that the government is moving to implement tougher regulations to better control gambling in Kenya.

In a statement released on Wednesday, April 23, Mwaura said the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) is collaborating with Parliament to strengthen current laws, aiming to tighten oversight, particularly over online betting platforms.

"The government is fully seized of the growing concerns surrounding betting addiction and strongly condemns all unlawful practices within the sector. This addiction has resulted in the loss of property, decreased productivity, and, in extreme cases, the loss of life," Mwaura revealed.

Mwaura disclosed that the government is working to streamline and safeguard the industry through the implementation of more stringent regulations to address the above challenges.

He revealed that the BCLB, in collaboration with Parliament, is fast-tracking the Gambling Control Bill, 2023. This would, among others, push online gambling firms and the national lottery to deposit Ksh200 million to be licensed to operate.

This came after BCLB denied reports that Kenyans spent Ksh766 billion on gambling in 2024. On Sunday, April 20, the board termed this figure as sensational, one that gives an inaccurate picture of the betting atmosphere in the country in recent times.